MARYLAND HEIGHTS, Mo. – The Maryland Heights Police Department says it is using drone technology to assist in “targeted traffic enforcement” operations, specifically for stop sign enforcement.

In a Facebook post Wednesday, the department shared that its drone operator helped officers monitor stop sign compliance and issue multiple citations in under an hour.

Photo provided by: Maryland Heights Police Department

The drone was deployed near Bennington Place and Ameling Road, a short distance from the Maryland Heights Community Center, to provide aerial support and help officers identify drivers who failed to stop completely.

Maryland Heights police say the effort aims to improve public safety by encouraging full stops and stronger compliance with traffic laws.

However, some people turned to the department’s Facebook post to express skepticism about drone-aided enforcement operations. Some questioned the use of surveillance technology for minor traffic offenses, while other voiced concerns about privacy and whether stop sign enforcement is the best use of the department’s drone operator.

Well before this, Missouri lawmakers have pushed to address various concerns over drones.

State Rep. Dean Van Schoiack (R-Savannah) has introduced two bills in hopes to tighten restrictions on drone usage, including one that would require state, county, and local law enforcement agencies to obtain a warrant when using drones to gather evidence related to criminal conduct.

While perhaps not the most common source of enforcement around the St. Louis region, drone-assisted traffic enforcement has made headlines elsewhere around the country. In Ross Township, Pennsylvania, according to CBS News, multiple officers have obtained pilot licenses to operate drones specifically for stop sign enforcement.

It’s unclear how frequently Maryland Heights police plan to use drones for future traffic enforcement efforts.